Medical Support Project

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has claimed the lives of over 5200 combatants - more than 2600 of which were members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The provision of medical services and equipment at the front lines of the conflict is critical in order to treat injuries before they become fatal. In response, Stabilization Support Services delivered a project to protect the lives of soldiers through the provision of mobile medical infrastructure, clean water and essential trauma management supplies.

In mid-2015, through Canadian Government funded support, SSS delivered a Weatherhaven 20 Bed Field Hospital Shelter System - a versatile multi-module design including HVAC systems - to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. In conjunction with the handover of the hospital, SSS technical experts led a 3- day training on the assembly and disassembly of the unit, interconnecting hallways, generators and all accessories.

The hospital was also equipped with an AR-10 - an entirely self-sufficient water purification system. The unit will provide safe water for hospital use during patient treatments, and provide purified drinking water for patients, hospital staff and personnel, as access to clean water in the ATO areas is not generally available. The ability to purify dirty water on site is an integral life sustaining measure that prevents water borne diseases from spreading, and prevents water related infections in already vulnerable patients.

In addition, 1600 Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) were assembled and delivered to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence before being handed over to Ukrainian Security Forces. Packed with critical items including tourniquets, ARS decompression needles, chest seals, gauze and surgical tape, the use of these kits leads to an overall decrease of fatalities. By stabilizing injuries, the IFAKs extend the crucial window of treatment time long enough to move wounded patients to healthcare facilities. Similar support was requested by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on the ground training Ukrainian Security Forces. In response, SSS delivered an additional 1700 IFAKS to CAF - custom designed to meet their unique needs and protect soldiers after receiving advanced training. These supplies were distributed by CAF personnel in Ukraine in order to reduce fatalities and protect the lives of those on the front lines.